The Government as Vandal

Stonehenge is an irreplacable archaeological treasure. One of the known facts about it is that much of its meaning has to do with the things that were underneath it. In addition, of course, over time even structures that were originally on the surface pass underground -- that is why we speak of archaeological "digs."

Light pollution at one end of the tunnel will obscure the view of sunset on the winter solstice -- one of the most important dates at Stonehenge -- when thousands gather to celebrate the shortest day of the year.

And experts believe major archaeological treasures hidden beneath the surrounding landscape could be lost forever.

"Recent finds show this place is the birthplace of Britain, and its origins go back to the resettlement of this island after the Ice Age," historian and author Tom Holland, who opposes the plan, told CNN....

6 comments:

raven
said...

It is hard to assess potential damage without knowing the route. Tunnels are expensive- it would likely make more sense to build a road with more capacity further away. The article was not clear on whether it was the visitors per se who cause the backup, or whether the traffic as a whole is overwhelming the road capacity, with the stonehenge visitors as a exacerbating factor.

In any case, they only get to wreck it once- better be damned sure of what they are doing.

I have deep suspicions of both government solutions and protestors, so I'd have to see more.

I made a study of the whole lot of stone circles 5-6 years ago, but new information is being added every year and I am behind now. I only see things by chance and had not heard of Superhenge. The new information of our generation is that the whole landscape of the area seems to have been involved in some rituals, with Stonehenge and Avebury only being parts of it. Long processions were a major focus. The journeys may have been as important as the destinations.

The new information of our generation is that the whole landscape of the area seems to have been involved in some rituals, with Stonehenge and Avebury only being parts of it. Long processions were a major focus.

The second point undermines the first. It's impossible to assess potential damage without first knowing what's important -- and we don't, actually.

Makes one wonder why they don't widen the existing road. Seems like the least invasive solution to traffic. Or maybe the tunnel is how they plan to keep the area with less visible impact. It might not be a bad idea, if they put it deep enough so it does not affect the remains.

Raven, I think that's right- any subway tunnel is going to be deeper than most any man made artifacts. What's the deepest archeological dig you've ever seen? Fifteen feet? Maybe twenty? (I'll exclude Pompeii here as it's a rather unusual situation). The ascent and descent routes are the only issue there I'd think. As for light pollution affecting the sunset- I can't imagine how from just a few lights to illuminate a subway track. It's still the sun for pete's sake.

AVI- "I have deep suspicions of both government solutions and protestors, so I'd have to see more."Heh, yes- this.

True, there is some risk of damage, but I'm against letting that make us attempt to freeze the world in amber. Some risks need to be taken, but I'll agree they should be taken carefully when possible.